Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique: What Is It, Benefits, How-to-do

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The majority of people in this world are unable to give time to themselves, leading to various diseases and health issues with the fast pace of life. Also, there are certain situations like muscle cramps, anxiety, chronic disease, and others that can provide you with a shorter life, a weaker body, and stressful situations. So, there are many progressive muscle relaxation techniques that are used to relax muscles, further reduce tension stress, and boost health.

If you are looking for progressive muscle exercise and are unaware of its benefits and technique, then this article is right to read. Here are the best muscle relaxation exercises that benefit overall health, along with tips on how to do them, as well as what is affecting the body and mind. 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique: What Do You Understand

Progressive muscle relaxation(PMR) is a technique that is used to relieve stress, anxiety, and other mental disorders when people are suffering for a long time. After trying all-natural remedies and certain medications, this technique can be an effective way to boost your health and get mental well-being naturally.  

It mainly involves relaxing your muscles through the right positions of your maintenance, deep breathing, relaxing your soul and mind, and others. Besides repetitively performing this exercise, it can give you overall good health, better mental support and increase your lifespan, which is ruined by uncertain diet and lifestyle changes. It is similar to yoga and medication, which are performed in a specific order by contracting and relaxing your muscles. 

Moreover, Progressive muscle relaxation works by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. Also, it has other benefits, which are mentioned below.

Benefits Of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Useful Ways Of Performing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

PMR is a useful and relaxing muscle therapy that takes only a few minutes but gives progressive results. However, not everyone is aware of performing the technique in the right manner. Additionally, this technique was first developed by American physician Edmund Jacobson in the 1920s. Let’s look at some ways of performing the PMR technique and getting your mind, body, and muscles relaxed-

Know Everything About Your Muscle And Then Set A Position: For performing the PMR technique, it is necessary to know everything about your muscle points and then set the position. It comprises foot, hand, stomach, leg, chest, shoulders, forehead, eyes, and more. Further, you have to sit in the right position and start exercising slowly by deep breathing.

Suddenly And Completely Relax Muscle Group: Afterwards, relax your muscle group completely and hold it for 5 to 10 minutes. Also, exhale and inhale your breath using your nose and get relaxed for a few minutes.

Use Your Knees, Arms, Thigh Muscles, Forehead, And Hands: After relaxing, use your knees, arms, high muscles, forehead, and hands by clenching your teeth and pushing your teeth against the roof of your mouth. Further, press the lips together.

Use Your Head And Toes While Moving Slowly: Once the body muscles get relaxed, use your head and toes to connect with each other. Through this process, abdominal muscles get relaxed and pull back and forth towards the toes.

Finally, Close Your Eyes, Lift your Eyebrows, And Then Relax. Once all the exercises are done, try to finally close your eyes, lift your eyebrows, and relax for 20 to 25 minutes without having any stress on your mind. 

Essential Advantages Of Progressive Muscle Exercises

Unfortunately, it becomes difficult for your body to tell the difference between an actual emergency and the stress you’re experiencing at work. Some progressive muscle relaxation exercises can be done to get rid of situations. Some advantages of this technique are-

1. Helps In Easing Neck Pain And Lower Back Pain 

Neck and back pain is common and can happen anytime, anywhere. Also, there may be many circumstances that cause the situation. However, by doing progressive muscle exercise, your neck and back pain problems will strike off, and you will feel relaxed and happy. According to data from 2018, it tends to lower back pain, mostly in adults. Also, the 2014 study states that PMR is the best technique for lower neck and back pain in pregnant women.

2. You Get Improved Blood Flow To Body And Mind

Performing PMR tends to improve blood pressure in the body and promotes the easy flow of oxygen and blood to the mind and body. Also, it relaxes muscles and provides comfort, along with reducing the risk of heart disease, stress, and other health issues.  

3. Helps To Decrease Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Symptoms

PMR is the best technique that helps to decrease temporomandibular joint symptoms that occur due to stiffness and locking of the jaw. Besides, according to a 2019 study, it tends to have calming effects and makes participants experience less intense pain and tension.  

4. You Get Relief From Anxiety And Tension

The very first advantage of using the PMR technique is that it helps you to get relief from anxiety, stress, and other mental issues. Besides, according to the latest data, a larger portion of people experience more comfort and relaxation from doing the exercises. Also, they find a new energy level in the body after performing this technique.

5. Helps In Providing A Fast Rate Of Breathing

PMR effectively helps in relaxing your breathing problems by providing excessive blood flow and oxygen to your body and mind. Also, it helps to pump blood rapidly by keeping your muscles relaxed and chilled. Besides, regularly performing can boost your mental and physical well-being with an improved breathing process. 

Advantages Of Progressive Muscle Exercises

Bottom Line

A perfect and healthy body and mind when it is fully active, stress-free, and has the ability to perform various tasks and live a happier life. PMR is a useful technique that relaxes your body, mind, and muscles and provides overall good health. Also, your body needs progressive mind relaxing techniques to chill out of hard work or tension. 

Besides, everyone is looking for progressive exercises and living a healthier life for a long duration. Moreover, Music therapy with this technique can eventually provide you with enough energy and make you feel better, happier, and healthier. Also, it helps to relieve various chronic pain and jaw pains you are suffering by providing relaxed muscles and mind. 

References:

  1. Ain H, et al. (2018). Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients.
    https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/digital-library/volume-5-issue-11/25-30.pdf
  2. Dayapoğlu N, et al. (2012). Evaluation of the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3469207/
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress.
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368

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Dr. David G Kiely is a distinguished Medical Reviewer and former General Medicine Consultant with a wealth of experience in the field. Dr. Kiely's notable career as a General Medicine Consultant highlights his significant contributions to the medical field.

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